ABSTRACT
This essay has examined the level of human right violation in Nigeria, the historical origin of Amnesty International., the performance of Amnesty International and the contribution of Amnesty International to the development of human rights in Nigeria. The study revealed that man as an individual has the inviolable rights which are protected by numerous conventions, declarations, constitutions and laws. Human rights and freedoms are guaranteed rights and they reflect the role played by human and civil society.
Human rights are "inalienable" because no one has the right to confiscate it for any reason. These rights are inherent to every human being, regardless of his race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, nationality, property status, status of birth etc. Human rights are particularly important in the relationship between people and the state. They control and regulate the performance of the state government on individuals, are granted freedoms of individuals in relation to the state, and they are required by the state to meet the basic needs of the people within its jurisdiction.
Amnesty International is actually a global NGO. That is the movement of people who are fighting for the protection of human rights and their international recognition. The study showed that, Amnesty International was founded in London by one Mr. Peter Benenson and Philip James. Amnesty draws attention to human rights abuses and campaigns for compliance with international laws and standards all over the world including Nigeria.
